10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000

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The cost of gaming laptops can vary greatly, but as with almost anything in life, especially in the tech world, you get what you pay for. Entry-level gaming laptops can be purchased for less than $1,000, but if you’re willing and able to stretch your budget into higher figures, you’ll be rewarded with much stronger tech.

Once you start approaching laptops with $2,000 price tags, you’re looking at some very impressive hardware. Machines around this kind of price range come with cutting edge processors and video cards, fully capable of running the latest titles and not-yet-released games on ultra-high graphical settings without breaking a sweat.

Laptops around this price range are also often fitted with some very impressive storage options and at least 16GB of RAM of standard. They have better screens, better audio, and better features than the entry-level options, and we’ve found ten of the best to share with you. But before we get into the list, let’s take a look at some features and components to focus on while shopping your next gaming laptop.

Screen size

Laptop displays can range in size from as low as 11 inches all the way up to 17.3 inches. Bigger screens cost more money but offer more enjoyable experiences and better viewing angles. Smaller screens require the user to sit a little closer, but are cheaper and more portable.

GPU

Also known as the video or graphics card, the GPU is one of the most important component for gaming. At this sort of price point, you can find the Nvidia GTX 1070 and 1060 graphics cards, which are the some of the strongest in the mobile market.

CPU

The CPU, or processor, is responsible for the overall performance and speed of your laptop and plays a big role in gaming. Eighth generation Intel i7 processors provide the best results.

RAM

Also known as memory, RAM is vital for gaming, with most modern AAA games requiring at least 8GB of RAM to run smoothly. Additional RAM provides faster framerates and better performance while multi-tasking.

Additional Features

As well as the key components listed above, gaming laptops can also come with a wide range of additional features like VR compatibility and custom software to give you full control over your gaming experiences.

Now let’s take a closer look at ten of the very best gaming laptops available to buy right now for $2,000 or less. The table below offers a quick and easy comparison of all ten devices, listed in price order from most to least expensive, with some key tech specs highlighted.

1. ASUS ROG Zephyrus S

The most expensive laptop on our list is undeniably one of the strongest. The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) series laptops are designed exclusively with gamers in mind and the Zephyrus S is one of the strongest entries in this range. Fitted with an eighth generation Intel i7 processor and GeForce GTX 1070 GPU, this machine can run any game at all on ultra-high settings at 60 frames per second or more.

For pure gaming performance at the $2,000 price point, it’s impossible to do any better than the Zephyrus S. This laptop’s cooling system is also the strongest of any model on the list. Gaming laptops can often struggle with heating issues and loud fan noise, but this ROG machine can run AAA games for hours on end without ever getting too toasty noisy.

The Zephyrus S is also impressive slim and portable, measuring up at just 0.62” when closed and weighing just 4.6 lbs. It doesn’t have the strongest battery and isn’t suitable for long gaming sessions on-the-go, but is easy to slip in a bag or case to be carried around. It also comes with a massive 512GB SSD for instantaneous boot-up times and lightning-fast file transfers. On the downside, there’s no hard drive, so some external storage will be required if you plan on downloading a lot of large games and other files.

Other issues with this laptop are relatively minor; some users have reported cases of screen bleeding in low light conditions, and the display doesn’t bend back too far, which can be inconvenient if you actually want to use the laptop on your lap. Aside from that, the Zephyrus S is a top tier gaming laptop with some fantastic tech, all wrapped up in a stylish metal chassis.

Tech Specs

Screen size: 15.6”

GPU: GTX 1070 (8GB)

CPU: Intel i7-8750H

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 512GB SSD

Features: Customizable RGB backlit keyboard, VR ready, Metal chassis

The Pros

Stylish metal chassis

Exceptional gaming performance with cutting-edge tech

The best cooling system of any laptop on this list

Huge SSD

Ultra-thin (0.62”) and lightweight (4.6 lbs)

The Cons

Screen won’t bend back too far

Weak battery

Some reports of screen bleeding

Lack of hard drive space

2. Alienware AW17R4

Alienware is one of the most trusted and respected gaming brands in the business. It also tends to be one of the most expensive, but you can get a top quality Alienware machine for less than $2,000 in the form of this AW17R4 laptop. Fitted with a 17.3 inch screen, a GTX 1070 GPU and a seventh generation i7 processor, this laptop has an impressive list of features and tech specs to rival any other model.

The GTX 1070 and i7 provide the perfect combo to bring your games to life, but the experience doesn’t stop there. When you buy an Alienware machine, you’re getting a laptop that was made to game, and it shows. With lots of built-in software and tech like Alienware’s ‘Graphics Amplifier’ and exclusive Overwolf apps, you’ll be better equipped than ever before to both enjoy and succeed at every game you play.

The 17.3” screen is simply perfect for enjoying the latest gaming releases at an unparalleled level of visual fidelity, and the nicely-designed keyboard makes this laptop even more enjoyable to use. The cooling fans can get a little noisy when running system-intensive games, however, and the lack of an SSD means that this laptop is a little slower than others like the aforementioned ASUS ROG Zephyrus S.

The 1TB hard drive is large enough to store a lot of games, but at this price point, the absence of an SSD is quite a noticeable drawback. Some reports of screen bleeding have also been reported by some users. Aside from these issues, the AW17R4 is a real winner in almost every category, including aesthetics, with beautiful, customizable lights on both the keyboard and chassis.

Tech Specs

Screen size: 17.3”

GPU: GXT 1070 (8GB)

CPU: i7-7700HQ

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 1TB HD

Features: Backlit keyboard and chassis, VR ready

The Pros

Excellent Alienware gaming features

Huge, high quality screen

Very comfortable keyboard

Stylish design with cool lighting effects

The Cons

Absence of SSD

Loud fan noise while running certain games

Some screen bleeding

3. MSI GE63 Raider

MSI is another leading name in the gaming laptop and PC world and this GE63 Raider is one of the brand’s strongest offerings to the mobile market. Fitted out with an extremely powerful hexa-core i7 processor and 1070 GPU with 8GB of dedicated memory, the Raider is more than tough enough to cope with all of the latest and greatest games.

Whether you’re looking to run PUBG, Fortnite, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, or something else altogether, this laptop will provide the best visuals and strongest performance every time. The top tier display, with its 3ms response time and 120 Hz refresh rate, will render every single pixel of your favorite games with astonishing clarity and bold colors.

One aspect of this device that doesn’t really have any impact on functionality but is still worth mentioning is its appearance; the GE63 Raider is a striking laptop of excellent construction, complete with RGB lighting effects on both the keyboard and chassis. Users are able to fully customize the color patterns on these lights, allowing you to make this machine fit in with your unique style and preferences. Customization is becoming increasingly important in modern times, so this is definitely a big benefit.

On the downside, the battery of the GE63 Raider does struggle to perform, especially when compared to stronger models on this list like the Razer Blade or Dell XPS 9570. Additionally, this MSI laptop can get quite hot while running AAA games on high settings for extended periods of time, and some users have complained about connectivity options. The lack of Thunderbolt 3 support is a slight issue and there are separate headphone and microphone jacks, which can be quite inconvenient depending on the accessories you plan to use.

Tech Specs

Screen size: 15.6”

GPU: GTX 1070 (8GB)

CPU: i7-8750H

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB

Features: RGB backlit keyboard and chassis, VR ready, Metal chassis

The Pros

Excellent display with 120 Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time

Eye-catching chassis with customizable RGB lighting

Excellent build quality

Eighth generation processor and cutting-edge GPU

Super storage options

The Cons

Relatively weak battery

Can get very hot

Keyboard layout takes some getting used to

Some connectivity issues

4. Razer Blade

One of the leading names in the eSports world, Razer knows exactly what modern, hardcore gamers need and aims to meet every one of those needs with this beautiful Razer Blade laptop. The aesthetics of a device have no bearing on its functionality, but we simply can’t ignore how gorgeous this gaming machine really is. Razer is well-known for producing some good-looking gaming gear in general, but the Blade is a real cut above.

As well as aesthetics, this laptop also excels in the portability department; the Razer Blade is exceptionally slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, perfect for gamers with busy lifestyles who do a lot of traveling. What’s more, the Blade has the battery to cope with long periods away from a power outlet. Razer’s designers fitted this machine with some impressive battery-saving features and fast-charging, helping it outperform many rivals in terms of longevity.

Sadly, it can’t quite match up to some of its colleagues in terms of pure gaming performance. When compared to the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S or MSI GE63 Raider detailed above, the Razer Blade is equipped with some slightly weaker tech. It has a seventh generation processor and a 1060 GPU, as opposed to a 1070. It’s still more than capable of smashing benchmark tests and providing super gaming performance, but it’s not quite as performant as the others.

Another minor issue with this device is its storage. The Razer Blade comes equipped with nothing but a 256GB SSD. The speed of the solid state drive is a nice advantage, but the lack of space is a major inconvenience, especially for gamers who want to download lots of new releases that can take up over 50GB of space each. This laptop can also get quite noisy and the metal chassis is a bit of a fingerprint magnet.

Tech Specs

Screen size: 14”

GPU: GTX 1060 (6GB)

CPU: Intel i7-7700HQ

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 256GB SSD

Features: Backlit keyboard, Metal chassis, VR ready

The Pros

Ultra slim and lightweight for portability

Excellent battery-saving features and fast-charging

Doesn’t get too hot, even during long gaming sessions

Very high quality display

The Cons

Loud fan noise

Lack of storage

Can get dirty quite easily

Trackpad needs some getting used to

5. Eluktronics PA71HS-G

Eluktronics might not be as well known as ASUS, Razer, or MSI, but this brand has been earning a lot of loyal followers and happy customers in recent times. The Eluktronics PA71HS-G is therefore definitely worth a look. It’s a great quality laptop with a huge SSD and some super tech and connectivity options, making for a very impressive package overall.

The big SSD is definitely one of the strongest aspects of this device. Many other laptops on this list feature 128GB or 256GB SSDs, but the PA71HS-G is fitted out with 512GB of space. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an additional hard-drive to store games, music, movies, and other content, so some form of external storage will be needed. On the plus side, this laptop ships with barely any bloatware, so you’ll have a lot of free room to fill up with your own files and software.

One of our biggest complaints with a lot of gaming laptops is how hot and noisy they can get as the cooling fans work on overdrive to cope with high-intensity gaming sessions. This Eluktronics laptop, however, is surprisingly silent and remains relatively cool, even under pressure. That’s definitely a big bonus, and the GTX 1070 GPU provides some super performance levels on all modern games.

The tech specs are great and the storage is super, but there are still a few drawbacks to this particular model. For instance, it’s one of the heavier and bulkier laptops on our list, so isn’t quite as well-suited for journeys and gaming on-the-go as something like the Razer Blade. In addition, the custom software and options menus are needlessly complicated, especially when compared to what we see on MSI and ASUS laptops.

Tech Specs

Screen size: 17.3”

GPU: GTX 1070 (8GB)

CPU: Intel i7-7700HQ

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 512GB SSD

Features: Backlit keyboard, VR ready, Fingerprint reader

The Pros

Large SSD for fast boot-ups and file transfers

Extremely fast performance

Strong build quality

Quiet cooling fans

Barely any bloatware

The Cons

Lack of storage space

Big and bulky

Trackpad and keyboard take some getting used to

Complicated settings menus

6. MSI GP73 Leopard-209

We’re back with MSI once more for another excellent gaming laptop at a great price. Compared to the models at the top of our list, this GP73 Leopard-209 is priced a little lower but still comes with the same great tech and features, like an eighth generation i7 processor and 1070 GPU. This laptop also comes with the strongest audio of any model on the list, so if good speakers are a big selling point for you, this is definitely a device you’ll want to check out.

As with other MSI products, the GP73 Leopard-209 is also fitted out with custom software and options menus to give you total control over your graphical and gaming settings. You can adjust almost any option imaginable, fine-tuning individual aspects of this gaming laptop to get the precise performance levels you desire. In short, control freaks will love this laptop.

On the downside, despite having some of the strongest speakers, this laptop is slightly lacking the visual department. The 17.3” screen is a nice size and can provide some super visuals, as well as being fitted with anti-glare technology, but it has very narrow viewing angles and can’t produce the same vivid colors of other models like the MSI GE63 Raider or Alienware AW17R4.

The performance of this laptop can also struggle whenever it’s not plugged in. The same can be said of almost any gaming rig, but it’s especially true of this model, so you’ll want to keep it close to an outlet whenever you intend on doing some intense gaming. The cooling fans can get noisy too, but the excellent storage options and comfortable Steel Series keyboard compensate for this machine’s minor shortcomings.

Tech Specs

Screen size: 17.3”

GPU: GTX 1070 (8GB)

CPU: i7-8750H

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB

Features: Backlit SteelSeries keyboard, VR ready

The Pros

Very impressive audio

Excellent tech specs and gaming features

Large anti-glare screen

Terrific storage options

High quality keyboard

The Cons

Performance levels drop while running on battery

Relatively weak display with narrow viewing angles

Loud fan noise

7. Sager NP7871

Like Eluktronics, Sager doesn’t quite have the same brand recognition factor as a company like ASUS or MSI, but after you take a look at the tech specs of this laptop, you’ll definitely struggle to find anything better. First of all, this is the only laptop on our list to be fitted with 32GB of RAM. When it comes to memory, more is always better. Additional RAM makes your laptop faster, stronger at multi-tasking, and much more future-proof.

As well as excelling in the memory department, Sager’s NP7871 also stands out in terms of storage. It’s the only laptop on the list to feature an enormous 2TB hybrid hard drive, as well as a 500GB SSD. With all that space, you won’t ever have to worry about using the cloud or investing in any additional storage options. Quite simply, this laptop is built to last for a very long time, so if longevity is a key factor for you, the NP7871 is a great choice.

Sager’s laptop also provides very impressive gaming performance with its 1060 GPU and eighth generation i7 processor. However, there are a few negative points to mention for this machine. While running graphically-intensive games, this laptop can get quite hot, and that heat really seems to focus around the keyboard area, which can actually make it quite difficult to keep playing.

In addition, at over 7lbs in weight, this is definitely one of the largest and heaviest laptops on our list. That won’t be a problem for users who plan on gaming at home, but if you want to carry this laptop around with you and play some games on-the-go, the NP7871 simply isn’t the best option. Its weak battery only exacerbates this issue. So if you’re looking for a portable machine, look elsewhere, but if you want a home-based laptop for high quality gaming, this is a good pick.

Tech Specs

Screen size: 17.3”

GPU: GTX 1060 (6GB)

CPU: Intel i7-8750H

RAM: 32GB

Storage: 500GB SSD + 2TB SSHD

Features: RGB backlit keyboard

The Pros

Amazing display

Best storage options

Huge amount of RAM

Fully future-proof

Very impressive gaming performance

The Cons

Heavy and bulky

Battery runs out very quickly

Laptop can get extremely hot, especially around the keyboard

Plastic chassis

8. ASUS ROG Strix Scar Edition

Another entry from the ASUS ROG series has earned a place on this list. The ROG Strix Scar Edition comes equipped with an eighth generation hexa-core i7 processor and the same GTX 1070 GPU we’ve seen in many other models on this list, all for a significantly lower price than laptops like the Alienware AW17R4 or ASUS ROG Zephyrus S. So if you want to enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge tech while also saving some cash, this is a great machine to check out.

As with any laptop in the ASUS ROG series, the Strix Scar Edition comes fitted with top tier gaming features and functionality. With this laptop, we’re looking at some of the best anti-dust cooling, the strongest graphical performance, and the most in-depth control options that gamers will simply love. This was a machine built to provide the very best gaming experiences and it delivers in every aspect.

In terms of pure performance, there really are no drawbacks to this laptop. The only issues we found were relatively minor. For instance, the metal chassis is very pretty to look at but can attract a lot of fingerprints and smudges. In addition, this laptop ships with far too much bloatware that will take to be uninstalled. The battery, as with many other models on the list, is also quite weak, so the Strix Scar Edition needs regularly charging.

Those issues aside, this is a brilliant gaming laptop at an attractive price. It comes with 16GB of RAM, which is more than enough to run all the latest releases and upcoming games for the next few years. The ASUS ROG Strix Scar Edition is also well-stocked in the storage department, coming equipped with a sizeable 256GB PCIe SSD for super-fast boot-ups, as well as 1TB of regular hard drive storage space for games and big files.

Tech Specs

Screen size: 17.3”

GPU: GTX 1070 (8GB)

CPU: Intel i7-8750H

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD + 1TB

Features: Backlit keyboard, Metal chassis

The Pros

Attractive design

Extremely good gaming performance with fast frame rates

Lots of connectivity options

Excellent storage

Easy to upgrade

The Cons

Can get dirty with fingerprints and smudges

Weak battery

Loud fan noise

Too much bloatware

9. Acer Predator 17

The first thing worth mentioning in regard to the Acer Predator 17 is its design. With sharp edges and a distinctive red and black color combination, this laptop is a real head-turner. The arrow and WASD keys have been nicely highlighted just to show that this was a laptop built for gamers, and the sleek red lines at the front and back of the lower panel really add to the overall style of this laptop.

It’s a very good-looking machine, so if you like your gaming hardware to look the part, this is a good option to choose. We’re pleased to report that the Acer Predator 17 also has the tech specs to match up with its attractive appearance. A seventh generation i7 processor powers the laptop, with a GTX 1070 GPU also under the hood to bring your games to life with the sharpest graphics and fastest frame rate.

Like MSI and ASUS laptops, the Acer Predator 17 also comes equipped with plenty of gamer-friendly features and functionality. Exceptionally anti-dust cooling is a big benefit of this laptop, and lots of intuitive, easy-to-navigate graphical menus and settings screens are also installed to give you total control over your experiences.

There’s not a lot of bloatware on this laptop either, and the SSD and hard drive storage combination is another big plus. Unfortunately, there are a few downsides. The battery, for example, is one of the weakest on the list and will only last for a few hours before dying. The Predator 17 needs to be plugged in as often as possible, and it’s also a bulky device, making it impractical for people who need to travel around a lot.

Tech Specs

Screen size: 17.3”

GPU: GTX 1070 (8GB)

CPU: Intel i7-7700HQ

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB

Features: RGB backlit keyboard, DVD RW drive

The Pros

Strong anti-dust cooling

Aesthetically pleasing design

Smart gaming control options

Not much bloatware

Super storage options

The Cons

Very weak battery

Big and heavy

Needs to be plugged in for best results

10. Dell XPS 9570

As the lowest-priced laptop to feature in this list, the Dell XPS 9570 makes a few compromises and doesn’t have the same firepower as more expensive models like the ASUS ROG Zepyhrus S or MSI GE63 Raider, but still has some major selling points and impressive features. For example, it may have a weaker GPU in the form of the 1050 Ti, but still possesses the same top tier i7-8750H seen in the pricier laptops.

The most notable advantage of this laptop is its screen. The XPS 9570 is the only laptop on our list to feature super-slim bezels in order to keep the device lightweight and portable while maximizing the amount of screen real estate. This results in an eye-catching, anti-glare IPS display that provides bold colors and no negative effects like screen bleeding or tearing.

This laptop is also one of the strongest on our list in terms of portability. Unlike the ASUS ROG Strix Scar Edition or Acer Predator 17, Dell’s XPS 9570 actually provides very impressive battery life for a gaming laptop. On a full charge, this machine can run for 7-8 hours of gaming and streaming or over a dozen hours of general use, making it highly suitable for users who need a reliable laptop for long journeys.

The 1050 Ti is a terrific video card but not as reliable as the 1070, with side-by-side comparisons showing weaker graphical performance and frame rates. This laptop will also get quite hot and loud during intense gaming sessions, so is better suited to short bursts of play. It comes fitted with a nicely-sized SSD, but is still lacking in storage compared to something like the Sager NP7871, so users will need to invest in an external hard drive.

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